Bulls and Sharks clash in epic URC semi-final derby showdown
Ruan Nortjé, captain of the Bulls, won't have to contest with Eben Etzebeth in the lineouts after the latter was ruled out of the URC semi-final at Loftus Versfeld.
Image: BackpagePix
The scene is set for a spectacular second-last round of the United Rugby Championship (URC) and at least one South African team will again contest the final this year.
It will be the fourth season in a row where a local franchise features, which underpins the strength of SA rugby sides in the European tournament. Who will the team in the final be? That will be answered on Saturday evening in Pretoria.
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The Bulls will host the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld (6.15 pm start) and with home ground as their ally and news that Bok lock Eben Etzebeth is out of the semis, the hosts are in the inside lane to make it through to another final. They can still host a final should defending champions, the Glasgow Warriors, triumph over Irish giants in Leinster in the early match of the day.
However, the Sharks are no pushovers and the way they've been grinding out wins to stay in the hunt for a first URC trophy should have caught the attention of the Bulls. While they have not played the prettiest of rugby and they dragged their opponents to the gutters to beat them there, the Durbanites know how to fight. That determination will be crucial at Loftus and without Etzebeth.
The Sharks without Eben Etzebeth and Jason Jenkins against the Bulls on Saturday in the #URC semis #BULvSHA via @IOLsport - https://t.co/hXEJGWJMA9 — Leighton Koopman (@Leighton_K) June 6, 2025
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